Dangerous trees in a Welsh village to be felled after complaints

‘Dangerous’ trees overhanging from properties in a village in Wales are to be cut down after complaints from residents.

People living in Ffordd yr Orsaf in Llanrug are concerned about the danger presented by the overgrown conifer trees, with branches in contact with electricity cables.

Residents say they are worried the trees pose a “health and safety” risk as they could be touched by people as they walked on the pavement underneath the trees.

Llanrug councillor Charles Wyn Jones, who first reported the problem in May, criticised Scottish Power for not acting sooner to cut the trees back.

But Scottish Power say the delay was due to nesting birds and work to fell the trees will take place on October 11.

Councillor Jones said: “Both trees overhang from private properties on to the highway and both trees are in contact with electricity cables.

“I reported the problem to Scottish Power in May and was assured that the necessary action to remedy the situation would be taken by the company following discussions with the relevant landowners.

“Residents have expressed concern that the trees are in contact with electricity cables and that they pose a health a safety issue as the trees could be touched by people as they walked on the pavement underneath the trees.

“The council have trimmed the trees recently (those branches overhanging on to the pavement), however trees of this kind are fast growers.

“Residents were also worried that in time the power supply could be affected as the trees would envelope the cables.”

He added: “I do believe that Scottish Power should have acted sooner as I had pointed out to them my concern from a health and safety point of view.”

A Scottish Power spokesperson said: “We received consent to remove both trees in May but due to nesting birds, we were unable to carry out the works in accordance with our obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The trees have since been reassessed following the summer months, and now the birds have flown the nest, we are able to fell the trees as originally planned.”

She added: “Letters have gone out to affected customers to let them know that work is taking place on October 11.

“Power will go off for a short period of time while work takes place. Customers affected have been notified.”